I’ve been wondering about 1/32 WWII bomber kits. I rarly see any and big manufactors don’t make any. The real question I have is: “What is wrong with a 1/32 scale WWII bomber kit?”[?] One reason I’m asking is there are now 1/24 model kits![:0] I mean really, a 1/32 bomber could be no bigger than a 1/24 fighter![:p] Anyway, I would like some feedback on this. Please give me your insite!
Thanks,
FlyBoy38L
well i think its mostly cost. a 1/32 scale WWII bomber would be more elaborate than many modellers would be willing to tackle, so hence the market for them is smaller. the hobby industry is still goverened by the laws of economics, so i would say that there would be insufficient demand for very large scale bombers.
having said that, if enough modellers actively voice out their desire for a 1/32 bomber, trumpeter will probably make one [:)] look what happened with the vigilante [:)]
There has been a rumored release of a 1/32 B-17, but I think it will remain a rumor. Depending on the aircraft being compared, a 1/32 WW2 Bomber would be larger than a 1/24 fighter. 1/32 is just making a comeback in popularity over the last couple of years after a couple of decades of neglect. Sooner or later some Company will likely release one, but with the size & amount of plastic required, it will be very expensive. Cost & the large size will limit the number actually bought, even by those who profess a longing for such a beast. I can’t fit a 1/48 Bomber in my paint booth, so a 1/32 would be totally impractical for me.
Regards, Rick
If there was ever to be a 1/32 bomber, say a He-111, what do you think it would cost? I would think around $70-$100. (LOL, It snowing where I am right now!) Also, If there ever was a 1/32 kit of any bomber, would you buy it, no matter what the price? Love your feedback!
FlyBoy38L
Cost, I would guess would be in the $150.00 or higher range. No, I wouldn’t buy one.
Regards, Rick
WOW![:0] I would have never thought that HIGH!!! But, aren’t the 1/24 kits about $120? Now i see why there will never be a 1/32 bomber kit! WOW![:0]
O well I really love those winged birds of war.
Thanks
FlyBoy38L
Well, that’s only my guess, not fact. But if you use the 1/24 Fighter at $120.00, and consider that a 1/32 Bomber will be as large or larger & much more complex, then I don’t think my $150.00 + guess is too far off.
Regards, Rick
I have a spot picked out in my garage for a 1/32 B-17.
Now we just need someone to made it. There’s been a rumor on this forum for a while that Panda would, but so far no go.
I’d love to tackle one of those beasts, but someone will have to leave it for me in their will. I’m afraid Rick is right about the costs. The tooling costs alone will force any vendor to price it in the upper regions of $150+++; much to expensive for my budget and too large for my storage and display capabilities.
The above comments on cost vs demand are pretty much to the point. Look at the Trumpeter 1/32 F-105D and F-105G. The MSRP is $150, you can get them at most LHS for $110 and sometimes on ebay for $80 to $90. I would estimate a 1/32 B-17 or B-24 at $150 to $200. A B-29 would easily go over $200. Very few modelers are willing to put that kind of money into one model and where in God’s Green Earth would you put that thing after you got it completed? [alien]
Yeah i heard that Panda were going to make a 1/32 B17 , dont know when though ,
the problem with models this size is where do you put them , I neary completed a Rockwell B1-B L ancer in 1/48 , that thing is about a Meter long , at the moment its in my bedroom !!! , just imagine that in 1/32 !!!
If you want a big B17, then go with a Don Smith 138" WS kit. Fiberglass fuse, foam wings, and a mere $500.00.[:D]
Yes…the price would be outrageous…but what about the required time for detailing and scratchbuilding? The thing would take YEARS to complete to the standard of many FSM article models.
And then there’s the required resin aftermarket thingies (I can’t do OOB) like wheels/tires, cockpit, engines, landing gear, PE…
Fantastic - I’d turn a $200 model into a $700 model…help me.
OCD sucks, mate.
I, for one, am waiting for the 1/32 B-17 promised by Panda (or whooever is the first to market one). I have a little room left in my modeling room to display it.
If done right, the AM parts would be minimal, but the manufacturer would have to be super on the detailing, such as the radio room, waist positions and tail gunner area.
BRING IT ON!!!
Kurt
look at it this way. armor builders have the 1/16 line of vehicles to work with. some of those go into the thousands for price. i am impatiently waiting for the 1/32 b-17. i would buy it and i would find a place to display it. on my “wish” list for next year are two 1/24 a/c, the p-40 and the type 21 zero. both are over $100 and both would look fantastic flying anywhere in my home. and yes i am screaming for mfg’s to start making the large scale big bombers.
joe
Please forgive the digression ladies and gentlemen but Seanrgb4 - you describe UK as the 3rd world - can you let me know when we were upgraded???.
And now to the subject - one of the attractions of 1/72 (which is my main domain) is the “smallness” of the model - even a bomber - the larger scales - 1/32 etc. would as has been said have to be exceptionally well detailed to look good - at that scale rivets etc. wouold be discernable at a scale distance for example along with dents and scrapes etc. These aircraft had a very hard life - both on the ground and in the air, of necessity. I have been waiting on the 1/48 Wellington and the rumoured 1/48 Halifax but no signs yet!!!
Well, I love the enthusiasum you guys have. Maybe we could all get a form going to ask panda to make the 1/32 B-17. I would love your ideas here.
Thanks,
FlyBoy38L
What are you guys talking about. You can get most of the WWII bombers in 1/32 here
http://www.swiftsite.com/rosemonthobby/combat.htm
The B-17 is a mere $64.95 and B-24 for the same price.
OK, they are vacuform kits but it is a little better than scratchbuilding and a lot cheaper than an injection kit from Asia will be.
I also built the Revell 32nd scale Mosquito once. You can still find this kit around for a decent price and it is the “bomber” version.
oooh now you’ve set me to drooling thinking about that Halifax!!!
As for Sean and miduppergunner: funny, I’m from Texas and I never thought of the UK as the Third World. To me, it’s the Motherland. I suppose it’s a matter of perspective.
But for the 1/32 bombers, anyone expecting a halfway decent 1/32 scale injection molded kit may not be dreaming, but if they’re expecting it for $100-150, they certainly are. I, like m-u-g, would much rather have a really good kit of a 1/48 Wellington. With that geodesic framing and all it would make for a fascinating and very different subject from the same old stuff we get even in the best of the 1/48 bomber we have now (like the AM B-25). And if I had my druthers for any kit in the world, it would be a 1/48 B-47, which is not farfetched given it’s size.
As for price, when getting up toward $200 and more for plastic, which is what we’re talking about I imagine should this fantasy come true, I’d rather invest it in one of those beautiful multimedia skeletal bi-plane kits in the Model Expo catelogue, or if I had an extra $600 bucks just to throw around, I’d buy that 1/48 fibreglass-body, mixed media Gigant. (BTW, has anyone ever seen one of these monsters in the box or finished, or read a review? I’m totally intrigued by this kit.)
But, if you really are that hot to make a 1/32 scale bomber, buy a vac-form airframe from Combat Models and get to scratch building. There’s not much they don’t have in their product list, but it’s strictly for the fanatical.
Tom